THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND APPLIED SCIENCE at the UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA invites applications for a full-time position as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND APPLIED MECHANICS in the laboratory of Prof. Robert W. Carpick.
The goal of the position is to conduct research into lubricant fluids containing nanocrystal additives. In particular, the candidate will study the microscopic composition and the formation process of tribofilms produced by sliding surfaces in these fluids. These studies are aimed at understanding the mechanisms of how the tribofilm improves friction and wear, providing guidance for formulating lubricants containing the nanocrystals and other additives, and shedding light Ｏn other benefits and applications that the nanocrystals may provide as a lubricant additive. This will involve directly performing and analyzing experiments using atomic force microscopy in liquid. In addition, imaging and spectroscopy analysis using analytical electron microscopy, Raman spectro-microscopy, and x-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopy. The project involves interdisciplinary collaboration and significant interactions with a commercial partner.
Applicants must have a doctoral degree in engineering or a related discipline, and must have extensive experience in tribology research and atomic force microscopy in fluids. Experience with experimental techniques including scanning and transmission electron microscopy including analytical methods (EDS, EELS), focused ion beam milling, XPS, NEXAFS, and Raman microscopy is highly desirable.
